Application Guide
How to Apply for OCA Emergency Team - Humanitarian Affairs Manager
at MSF - Holland
🏢 About MSF - Holland
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. Working with MSF means being part of a movement that prioritizes impact and innovation in the field, with a strong commitment to providing care based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. The Emergency Support Department (ESD) at MSF Holland is at the core of this mission, enabling rapid, effective responses to the world's most pressing humanitarian crises.
About This Role
As a Humanitarian Affairs Manager on the OCA Emergency Team, you will be at the forefront of MSF's emergency responses, providing crucial humanitarian analysis and strategic guidance to shape operations in volatile contexts. You'll work directly with country teams and headquarters to ensure MSF's actions are grounded in a deep understanding of the humanitarian landscape, making this role essential for both immediate intervention and long-term mission success.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day in the field might start with a security briefing and a meeting with the Head of Mission to discuss emerging humanitarian needs. You'll spend time analyzing data, writing reports, and liaising with local authorities or NGOs to ensure access and coordination. Evenings might be spent drafting a briefing for HQ or preparing for a rapid assessment in a newly affected area.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who MSF - Holland Is Looking For
- Seasoned humanitarian professional with a minimum of 5 years of field experience in emergency settings, including experience in conflict, natural disasters, or disease outbreaks.
- Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality humanitarian analyses, briefing notes, and policy documents under tight deadlines.
- Proven ability to navigate complex political and security environments, with excellent diplomacy and negotiation skills to engage with authorities, armed groups, and other stakeholders.
- Fluency in English and French is required; proficiency in Arabic, Spanish, or other languages is a strong asset.
- Demonstrated commitment to MSF's humanitarian principles and ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
📝 Tips for Applying to MSF - Holland
Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight specific emergency response experience, particularly in humanitarian affairs, analysis, or coordination roles. Use concrete examples of your impact.
Emphasize your ability to work in high-stress, rapidly changing environments. Mention any experience with remote management or working in insecure environments.
Showcase your knowledge of the humanitarian ecosystem, including familiarity with the cluster system, humanitarian law, and key donors.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your skills to the requirements of the ESD, such as conducting exploratory assessments and providing strategic support.
Apply even if you don't meet every requirement perfectly—MSF values diverse experiences and a strong motivation to learn. However, make sure you clearly address the essential criteria.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your hands-on experience in emergency humanitarian settings and specific examples of how you've influenced decision-making through humanitarian analysis.", "Your ability to adapt quickly and work in volatile environments, with examples of how you've navigated security challenges or political constraints.", "Your understanding of MSF's mission and how your professional values align with the organization's principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.", 'Your willingness to be deployed on short notice to various locations worldwide, often for extended periods.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read MSF's latest emergency response reports and press releases to understand current operational priorities and challenges.
- → Review the structure and function of the Emergency Support Department (ESD) on the MSF website, and familiarize yourself with the roles of Emergency Managers and Humanitarian Affairs Advisors.
- → Look into MSF's advocacy and humanitarian diplomacy efforts, particularly in countries where you have experience or interest.
- → Follow MSF's social media channels and the MSF-USA or MSF International websites for updates on emergency campaigns and field stories.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too rigid or showing a lack of flexibility in your application—MSF needs people who can adapt to unpredictable assignments and changing priorities.
- Underemphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration; this role requires intense coordination with medical teams, logistics, and HQ.
- Neglecting to mention specific examples of your humanitarian analysis work, such as reports or assessments you've written, and their impact on operations.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: August 31, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!